If you’ve discovered a squirrel trapped in your chimney, it’s important to act quickly and carefully to resolve the situation. Squirrels can easily enter chimneys, and once inside, they can cause damage, create a mess, or even get stuck. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to get a squirrel out of your chimney safely, using humane methods that ensure the squirrel's well-being while protecting your home.
1. Assess the Situation
The first step in getting a squirrel out of your chimney is to determine how the animal got in and whether it’s stuck or simply inside temporarily.
Signs of a Squirrel in Your Chimney:
- Noises: You may hear scratching, rustling, or chattering sounds coming from the chimney, especially in the early morning or late evening.
- Visible Entry Points: Check if the squirrel is coming in and out, and if it’s stuck, it may be unable to exit through the chimney flue.
- Droppings or Nesting Materials: If the squirrel has been in the chimney for a while, you may see droppings or nesting materials, like leaves, twigs, or insulation.
2. Prevent the Squirrel from Escaping into the House
Before you take any action to remove the squirrel, it's important to block off access to the inside of your home to prevent it from running into your living areas once it's out of the chimney.
- Close the Damper: If the damper is open, it can allow the squirrel to enter your living space. Make sure to close it gently to prevent the squirrel from coming down into the fireplace.
- Seal Other Entry Points: If you have a fireplace door, make sure it's securely closed. If not, temporarily seal the opening with heavy-duty plastic or a towel to prevent the squirrel from getting through.
3. Install a One-Way Squirrel Exit
To get a squirrel out of your chimney, a one-way exit is often the most humane and effective solution. These devices allow the squirrel to exit the chimney but prevent it from re-entering.
How to Install a One-Way Exit:
- Purchase or Build a One-Way Squirrel Door: A one-way exit is a device that lets the squirrel escape but prevents it from getting back in. You can buy one at most wildlife or pest control stores, or you can build your own by attaching a plastic or metal tube to the chimney opening that lets the squirrel out but doesn't allow it to re-enter.
- Attach the One-Way Exit to the Chimney: Place the exit at the chimney opening (above the damper) so the squirrel can climb out and escape. Make sure the opening is wide enough for the squirrel to exit, but narrow enough that it cannot return.
4. Wait for the Squirrel to Exit
Once the one-way exit is in place, it’s time to wait. Squirrels are typically active during the day, so be patient and allow the squirrel some time to exit the chimney. It may take a few hours or even a day for the squirrel to find the exit and leave.
- Monitor the Exit Point: Check the chimney exit periodically to see if the squirrel has left. You can use a camera or peek outside to see if the squirrel has exited the chimney.
5. Remove Any Nesting Materials or Droppings
Once the squirrel has safely exited, make sure to clean the chimney of any droppings, nesting materials, or debris left behind. Squirrel droppings can carry diseases like leptospirosis, so it's important to wear gloves and disinfect the area thoroughly.
- Use a Chimney Brush or Vacuum: To remove debris and nesting materials, use a chimney brush or a vacuum designed for cleaning chimneys. Be sure to clean the chimney flue and surrounding areas.
- Sanitize the Area: After cleaning, use a disinfectant to sanitize the area to eliminate any lingering bacteria or germs.
6. Install a Chimney Cap or Screen
To prevent future squirrel intrusions, install a chimney cap or screen over the top of your chimney. This will block animals from entering the chimney in the first place, keeping squirrels and other wildlife out.
Choosing the Right Chimney Cap:
- Material: Look for a sturdy, rust-resistant material like stainless steel or copper.
- Size: Make sure the chimney cap is the correct size for your chimney flue. A poorly fitted cap won’t keep squirrels out.
- Mesh Size: The mesh should be small enough to prevent squirrels from squeezing through. A ¼-inch mesh is ideal.
7. Call a Professional Wildlife Removal Service
If you're unable to remove the squirrel on your own, or if the squirrel seems to be trapped in a dangerous way, it's best to contact a professional wildlife removal service. These experts have the tools, knowledge, and experience to safely and humanely remove squirrels from chimneys and other areas of your home.
Why Call a Professional:
- Expertise: Wildlife removal experts can handle the situation without causing harm to the squirrel or your home.
- Humane Methods: Professionals use safe and humane methods to trap and remove squirrels.
- Guaranteed Results: Wildlife removal services often guarantee that your home will be squirrel-free after the job is done.
Conclusion: How to Get a Squirrel Out of Your Chimney
Getting a squirrel out of your chimney doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By following these steps — inspecting the chimney, blocking off entry to your home, installing a one-way exit, waiting for the squirrel to exit, and cleaning up afterward — you can safely and humanely remove a squirrel from your chimney.
Remember, preventing squirrels from entering your chimney in the first place by installing a chimney cap or screen is the best long-term solution. If you’re not comfortable handling the situation on your own, don’t hesitate to contact a professional wildlife removal service to ensure that the squirrel is safely removed and your home remains secure.